Brown-haired baby smiling - Gillespie Approach–Craniosacral Fascial Therapy

The Gillespie Approach

The Gillespie Approach specifically revolves around the evaluation and treatment of the patient’s craniosacral fascial system. This system has three important aspects: craniosacral, fascial, and oropharyngeal.

By 1975 Dr. Gillespie had completed four years of dental and two years of periodontal and TMJ specialty education, which gave him a firm scientific background in the oropharyngeal area. In the late 1970s Dr. Gillespie began his cranial training in applied kinesiology with Dr. George Goodheart. He then studied the cranial osteopathic principles under Dr. Viola Frymann who learned directly from Dr. William Sutherland, the discoverer of cranial motion. When Dr. Gillespie moved to Philadelphia in 1983, he worked with John Barnes P.T., the creator of myofascial release, for about ten years. In the 1980s Dr. Gillespie saw the great value of combining the craniosacral, fascial, and oropharyngeal concepts into one approach.

Some people do great craniosacral work, which treats part of the craniosacral fascial system. Some people do effective myofascial therapy, which treats part of this system. Some dentists do fine TMJ work, which treats part of this system. The Gillespie Approach evaluates and treats the entire system. The GA recognizes the importance of the breathing brain, unrestricted fascia, and healthy oropharyngeal physiology. To fully understand a nursing issue as a lactation consultant, a speaking condition as a speech therapist, a malocclusion as an orthodontist, or a TMJ problem as a dentist, you must understand the oropharyngeal aspect of the craniosacral fascial system.

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Gillespie Approach Foundation Training is designed for students to work with children and adults.

2026 Dates:

  • January 22–24 | Melbourne, FL
  • March 19–21 | Greenville, SC
  • May 14–16 | Westfield, IN
  • June 25–27 | Bozeman, MT
  • August 6–8 | Boise, ID
  • October 1–3 | Olathe, KS
  • November 9–11 | Newtown Square, PA
  • November 12–14 | Newtown Square, PA

Gillespie Approach Infant Training is designed for students to work with infants.

2026 Dates:

  • January 25–27 | Melbourne, FL
  • March 22–24 | Greenville, SC
  • May 17–19 | Westfield, IN
  • June 28–30 | Bozeman, MT
  • August 9–11 | Boise, ID
  • October 4–6 | Olathe, KS
  • November 15–17 | Newtown Square, PA

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